Geelani appeals people to celebrate Eid with austerity

Asks affluent families to take care of needy, families of martyrs, prisoners

Srinagar, Aug 21 (KNS): Extending his heartfelt Eid greetings to the Muslim Ummah in general and the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir in particular, Syed Ali Geelani made fervent appeal to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with simplicity and austerity and asked affluent families of the State to take care of the needy, orphans, widows, elderly and families of martyrs & prisoners.
In a statement issued to KNS, Geelani said that Eid is an occasion of happiness and celebration, however, Eid of suppressed nations is when they achieve complete freedom from enforced occupation.
Eid is not just a formal custom, said Geelani instead an auspicious day and a divine gift from almighty Allah for people who offer sacrifices of animals and perform Hajj on this holly Festival.
Geelani assured people and said that dawn of freedom will rise and we will emerge as a free nation.
Appealing people to celebrate the Eid with austerity and simplicity and according to the Islamic principles, Syed Ali Geelani said that this day is the day of seeking forgiveness from the Almighty Allah and a Thanksgiving Day for the people. Geelani also appealed people to take a pledge to shun un-Islamic activities and extravagance in their whole life.
Geelani while referring to the prevailing gloomy situations in state, said that our nation had so far missed the real spirit of this day because of the atrocities and the cruel behavior of the Indian occupation forces against the common people and the people of this troubled region are miserably suffering since last seven decades.
Geelani expressed his concern over growing conflict and disunity, chaos, uncertainty, infighting and strife torn situations among Muslim Ummah and said that the gracious occasion of Eid provides a golden opportunity to overcome this miserable situation.
Let us forget about the differences, forge unity and jointly celebrate this auspicious festival, added Geelani. He urged people to forge unity among its folds and face those tyrant forces that have deprived us from our basic rights and are hell bent to change the demography of the state. (KNS)